Yannick Carrasco puts European giants on alert by demanding China exit

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Europe

Dalian Yifang star winger Yannick Carrasco has dropped a bombshell by declaring he is attempting to force a summer move away from China after receiving an offer to rejoin a European club.

The former Atletico Madrid sensation, who shockingly swapped La Liga for the Chinese Super League just a year ago, made the announcement on Wednesday while on international duty with Belgium ahead of the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Scotland.

"I like Chinese football and think it is getting better, but I want to go back to Europe, mainly for family reasons," Carrasco said in a press conference.

Yannick Carrasco (R) during a training session of the Belgian National team prior to their Euro 2020 qualification games against Kazakhstan, June 4, 2019. /VCG Photo

"There is a European club interested, and I'm willing to sign if they want me. I hope the deal goes through. I really want to go back and play in Europe. I miss playing at a high level. It is very likely that I will leave China this summer."

Carrasco's demand to leave is unlikely to go down too well with Yifang, who identify the 25-year-old as the cornerstone of the club's future success after splashing out a whopping 11.2 million U.S. dollars in annual salary to secure his service.

The Belgium international has established himself as a key player since his arrival, playing a significant role in maintaining the club's Chinese Super League status last season. He continued his fine form this campaign, starting all 10 matches to date and netting on seven occasions.

While Carrasco fell short of submitting a transfer request, he has long made clear his preference would be to return to Europe if an acceptable bid is lodged. It is understood that Yifang are reluctant to let the Belgian go in the coming months, but their resolve to keep their prized asset looks set to be tested.

Yannick Carrasco (C) surges forward during the Chinese Super League clash between Dalian Yifang and Shanghai Shenhua in Dalian, May 26, 2019. /VCG Photo

"I hope the [Yifang] president can reach an agreement with the club that wants me," Carrasco said.

"However, I can't reveal who it is. I have no clauses in my contract, so the teams that want me must go through Dalian. I hope the president understands my situation."